BTS Skytrain should look to Tokyo for congestion solution

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The BTS trains are rarely full, but its actually difficult to get inside. Perhaps its time for the BTS to implement some crowd control from ...

The BTS trains are rarely full, but its actually difficult to get inside. Perhaps its time for the BTS to implement some crowd control from the Tokyo train system. My editorial was published in the Bangkok Post on 13 October 2012.By Karn G. Bulsuk

During rush hour, it is normal to wait several trains before being able to get on to the BTS, especially on the congested Sukhumvit line. The conundrum is that the trains are rarely ever full, with plenty of space left within the train as people refuse to move inside.

Perhaps it is time for the BTS to take a page from the play books of Tokyo, who are experienced in moving millions through their train system every day. Pushers should be employed as crowd control, pushing people into the train and having those inside move further in.

Another complementary option is to increase the capacity of the train by completely removing the seating from one train car. The BTS would need to install additional straps and railing for people to hold on to, as well as a few fold down seats reserved for the elderly and physically challenged.

All of these should be cheaper and faster to implement than purchasing additional trains. In addition to increasing train utilization, as passengers we would be able to reach our destination without needing to factor in additional and unnecessary waiting time.